Full details

Our guide to ATX™ Astronaut Training

ATX® is a completely new program that provides guests with the opportunity to train as astronauts or the next generation of space explorers, by participating on simulators such as the Land-and-Drive-on-Mars full-motion simulator, the Walk-on-Mars virtual reality simulator, and the Micro-Gravity Floor simulator.

They receive briefings about living and working in space and on Mars while teamwork, communication and collaboration skills are developed as participants take turns in the Training Control Center, guiding one another through a series of challenges.

After the program, they receive an electronic report detailing their achievements along with a video log they recorded during the day.

How does it work?

The five-hour experience is broken up into three, 90-minute sections detailed below. Participants will experience all components in each section.

Launch Mission

Astronaut Recruit: Learn to launch a spacecraft into low-Earth orbit to rendezvous and dock with an orbital target

Mission Control Crew: Assist Capsule Crew in completing tasks using instructions on touchscreen workstations with basic missions and emergency scenarios

Orion Capsule Crew: Practice hand-eye coordination under the supervision of the Mission Control Crew

Training Control Center: Give instructions to assist the explorers in their tasks

Safety Support Handler: Helping those in the microgravity chairs the same way drivers assist those in Johnson Space Center's Neutral Buoyancy Lab

Mars Operations

Walk on Mars: Experience the sensation of walking on the surface of Mars, exploring four different terrains and solving challenges as they arise

Mars Lander Rover Control: Experience the sensation of landing a vehicle on the surface of Mars in a powered landing, and driving it over rough terrain to dock with a base

Operates:

The ATX programme runs at various dates throughout the year.

Schedule:

Morning and Afternoon programs offered.

Duration:

Around 5 hours.

Location:

Check-in at the new ATX Facility right-hand side of the general entry gate at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Please Note: Your ticket does not include entrance to the exhibits at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – you must purchase an Admission Badge or a Space Pass should you wish to explore these areas before or after your ATX Astronaut Training Experience.

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions for ATX™ Astronaut Training

Advance reservations are required. You must select your chosen date at the time of booking.

ATX participants must be 10 years of age or older. Participants aged 10 - 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Expectant mothers and those with abnormal blood pressure, adverse heart conditions, ear or sinus infections should not participate in certain activities.

Transportation to Kennedy Space Center Visitors complex is not included.

Your ticket does not include entrance to the exhibits at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – a separate Kennedy Space Center Admission Badge or a Space Pass must be purchased should you wish to explore these areas.

Car parking is not included in the ticket price, appoximate cost is $10 per car, payable locally.

Please note, guests 'check-in' at the Visitor Centre to collect their tickets.

Tour may be altered or closed due to operational requirements - i.e. during shuttle launches - in this instance an alternative date will be offered or you can receive a full refund.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for ATX™ Astronaut Training

How easy is it to get to Kennedy Space Center? Kennedy Space Center is located in Cape Canaveral, an easy 60-minute drive east of Orlando.

Do I need to book a date for the ATX Astronaut Training Programme? The ATX Astronaut Training programme is a reservation only experience so you must book at date at the time of booking.

Does my ATX Astronaut Training Experience Ticket include access to the other exhibits at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex? No, if you would like to explore Kennedy Space Center Space Center Visitors Complex, you must by a separate admission ticket. Please see our Admission Badge and Space Pass options.

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